Chicanna Campeche Mexico Mayan Ruins

Photography by Bill Bell

Chicanna was erected at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Its builders took advantage of a slight natural elevation to construct several
groups of structures which served as rooms and enclosures for carrying out
ritual ceremonies.

Discovered in 1966, the name alludes to the House of the
Serpent-mouth. Occupation at it height dates from 300 B.C. to 250 A.D. with the
last stages likely around 1100 A.D.

Chicanna is one of 45 sites located in the region of the
Rio Bec. It is well known for its enormous representation of Itzamna, principal god
of the Maya pantheon, also known as the Earth Monster, on the fašade of the
lower construction.

The earth monster entrance , notice the mouth and teeth
(click on pictures to view in larger format)